At the request of beekeepers in colder climates of the northern states, we also produce the Carniolan cross. Our Carniolan breeders are mated in an isolated area and observed for a year prior to use in our breeding program. The Carniolan virgins are mated with our Italian drones, resulting in an excellent mix of both Italian and Carniolan traits which many customers prefer.

Each package includes cage, feeder can, queen, and 3 pounds of bees.

Bees will not be shipped until April 8th or April 29th, depending on where your order is in the order queue.

All orders will ship overnight once available.

All orders are pre-orders.

There are approximately 12,000-15,000 bees per individual 3lb box, please be aware that there is an expected shrinkage (death loss) of 1 - 2%.

DISCLAIMER:We offer no guarantee--implied, oral or written for any of package bees or queens. We must do this simply because we have no control of what you do with your bees. All payments for Queens and Bee Packages are NON REFUNDABLE. These are live insects and must ship next day air for delivery (This is UPS requirements not ours) When purchasing a mail order package you assume FULL responsibility, we are unable to make any guarantees. We are NOT responsible for package bees or queens left at the delivery location (customer assumes FULL responsibility). These are live animals and cannot withstand being exposed in their cages in the elements.

THE CARNIOLAN BEE

The subspecies A. m. carnica, from
middle Europe, also has been a favored
bee stock in the U.S. for several
reasons. First, their explosive spring
buildup enables this race to grow rapidly
in population and take advantage
of blooms that occur much earlier in
the spring, compared to other stocks.
Second, they are extremely docile
and can be worked with little smoke
and protective clothing. Third, they
are much less prone to robbing other
colonies of honey, lowering disease
transmission among colonies. Finally,
they are very good builders of wax
combs, which can be used for products
ranging from candles, to soaps, to
cosmetics.

Because of their rapid buildup,
however, carniolan bees tend to have a
high propensity to swarm (their effort
to relieve overcrowding) and, therefore,
may leave the beekeeper with
a very poor honey crop. This stock
requires continued vigilance to prevent
the loss of swarms.

Arkansas - Note: This product is Restricted within your state. Please contact your state or local authorities for further information regarding the distribution, sale, and use of this product in your area.

Louisiana - Note: This product is Restricted within your state. Please contact your state or local authorities for further information regarding the distribution, sale, and use of this product in your area.

Massachusetts - Note: This product is Restricted within your state. Please contact your state or local authorities for further information regarding the distribution, sale, and use of this product in your area.

New Jersey - Note: This product is Restricted within your state. Please contact your state or local authorities for further information regarding the distribution, sale, and use of this product in your area.

California - Note: This product is Restricted within your state. Please contact your state or local authorities for further information regarding the distribution, sale, and use of this product in your area.

New Mexico - Note: This product is Restricted within your state. Please contact your state or local authorities for further information regarding the distribution, sale, and use of this product in your area.

Texas - Note: This product is Restricted within your state. Please contact your state or local authorities for further information regarding the distribution, sale, and use of this product in your area.

Vermont - Note: This product is Restricted within your state. Please contact your state or local authorities for further information regarding the distribution, sale, and use of this product in your area.

Washington - Note: This product is Restricted in Eastern Washington State. Please contact Washington state authorities for information on Licensing, Sale, and Use of this product in these areas.

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About Rural King

Rural King Supply planted its roots in Mattoon, Illinois in 1960. Since that time Rural King has added 76 stores in a ten state area (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Florida). The heart of Rural King is the corporate office, distribution center and flagship store, located in its city of origin, Mattoon IL.

We welcome visitors, and encourage you to come in and take part in our 50 year tradition by enjoying a free bag of popcorn and cup of coffee on us.

Our 76 locations have an outstanding product mix with items such as livestock feed, farm equipment, agricultural parts, lawn mowers, workwear, fashion clothing, housewares and toys. You never know what you will find at your local Rural King and that's why every trip is an adventure. Our friendly staff is dedicated to serving your needs and can help you find whatever you're looking for.

Family Owned and Operated • Seventy six stores in ten states • Over 50,000+ products available